Qualitative Phenomenological Study on Nurse Anesthetists’ Experience of Patient Safety in High-Workload Operating Rooms

Abstract

This study seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of nurse anesthetists’ experiences in maintaining patient safety within high-workload operating room settings. A qualitative descriptive design with a phenomenological approach was employed to capture the subjective meanings and challenges perceived by nurse anesthetists in their professional roles. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with ten nurse anesthetists working in a general hospital, each with at least two years of clinical experience. The analysis revealed five central themes: (1) heavy workload reflected in the high number of surgical procedures and limited rest periods, (2) the effects of workload on physical and psychological conditions as well as on patient safety, (3) adaptation strategies including time management, spiritual practices, and team communication, (4) readiness in handling emergencies, and (5) the importance of institutional support from hospital management. Findings also indicated that senior nurses rely more on clinical experience, spirituality, and emotional regulation, while junior nurses require closer supervision and advanced training. The study concludes that excessive workload significantly influences both performance and well-being of nurse anesthetists. Effective coping mechanisms at the individual level and strong institutional support are critical to safeguarding patient safety and sustaining nurse anesthetists’ performance in high-intensity environments. These insights contribute to the development of more human-centered hospital policies and reinforce support for frontline healthcare workers.